20-50 years ago it was best hotel in Soviet Almaty. Time changes, but not the hotel. I took superior (not standart room). It was quite small. With old soviet furniture and small window. In bathroom was old bath, but modern shower, washstand and pan. Big problems with electricity. No lighting. No luster. There were table lamps, old floor lamp, - but there wasn't any electrical outlet in my room, to put the electrical plugs of lamps. So, lamps was only decoration. Reception officer told me that it is OK for their hotel; when the sun rises I will have the natural lighting. =)))) So, I moved the floor-lamp in my room to old soviet fridge (there was only one outlet used for fridgr and TV), unplugged fridge and pluged the lamp instead. So, I gained the light in my room.

The breakfast and restaurants was very good. Window view in room was also great.

Spent 4 nights here with family as the price was right. Clearly ths hotel has seen better days though we did manage to get a room on the second night with air conditioning which improved the whole experience. Rooms are small, clean, and functional. Views are amazing. Breakfast was good with lots of variety. Bars and restaurants in the hotel and around the hotel building were excellent. Good central location for seeing the sights in Almaty with lots of wonderful parks and green spaces within a few blocks.

I travel to Almaty regularly and have stayed at the Hotel Kazakhstan only once. I wouldn't choose it again if I can help it, the rates are okay but really the problem with this one is that the service seems to be stuck 20 years ago. Experienced CIS-country travellers have told me since that anywhere with a grandiose lobby when you walk in tends to be a bad sign - this hotel was fancy back when Intourist ruled. The rooms aren't terrible for the price you pay, though it's a bit scary that your window will open all the way even on the 15th floor. I must say I have had exactly the same problem as one of the other reviewers: No hot water one morning!! I rang the hotel reception and they replied that it's not the hotel, but the city where the problem is and that they can't do anything. It does sum up the service: very much "deal with it". The response is similar when you ask them to call you a taxi.

The wi-fi is not really worth bothering with. Not too overpriced, but it hardly works either. The breakfast was far from spectacular but better than nothing.

The location is okay, probably a 15-20 minute walk to Republic Square but the area around it isn't too bad. If you have some spare time, the cable car to Kok Tobe is worth a look. But a lot of other hotels are better located for business.

Advantages of staying at Hotel Kazakhstan: Every local (and taxi driver!) will know where you are. With most that I know, it does seem to be one of the most recognisable buildings in Almaty. The Guns'n'Roses pub seems to be quite legendary and isn't a bad night out, the food is affordable in there. Didn't try the hotel restaurant as you can get Kazakh cuisine for cheaper and nicer outside the hotel.

The pride of Kazakhstan was probably the best hotel in it's time 25 years ago. Today, you are better off elsewhere. It's said to be the largest building in the city and is a symbol of the city.

Checking in was ok - no major problems. However, the staff were not very welcoming - no one to help you with you luggage (although we checked in at 6am) and the unfriendly service at the check in counter. We stayed on the 13th floor.

My room had a standing fan and no air-conditioning. It was ok the first night but as the days got warmer, I had trouble sleeping even with the window open.
No coffee/tea making facilities (but the fridge was stocked with drinks, chocolates, condoms & lubricants). It had me thinking that perhaps it was THAT kind of hotel?! I asked for a kettle that never came. There was no hot water - it would have been much more helpful if we were told that upon check in. The water was freezing! When we asked the front desk, they told us that the city water heater was out. Very unlikely!!

There is a Business Centre - a reception and one old desktop at the back. I was led to the desktop by the sour faced receptionist. When I asked her if the computer was on, she replied "Off" from her seat out front. I struggled to print some material - MS Office in Russian - but finally managed to get it done.

Breakfast buffet was ok. Decent spread of Western and local food. No complaints there.

To sum it up, the rooms were clean & location was ideal. That is the only thing going for it. Service was poor and unwelcoming. It certainly is not your home away from home. This hotel has seen better days. It's old & dated. At this price, you are better off in many other new hotels that have sprung up in this beautiful city.